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AT&T Donates $100k to NLRSD to Support Students Graduating from College

AT&T (News - Alert) has announced a $100,000 donation to the New Learning Resources School District (NLRSD). This contribution is part of the nearly $10-million AT&T Aspire Local Impact initiative that supports best-of-best organizations.

NLRSD’s primary goal is to extend the student’s foundation for academic and career achievement. The District recognizes the need for an individual, motivational and intellectual environment for students who may encounter learning differences.

Dr. Nancy New, executive director at NLRSD, said NLRSD is dedicated to an educational philosophy that considers the diverse needs of today's students and families. She believes AT&T Foundation's Aspire program will enhance this philosophy and support students in graduating from school.

The District has a proven track record of successfully helping high school students, and because of this, it has been named one of the 47 recipients nationwide that will share in nearly $10 million from AT&T.

The company evaluated applicants based on their accomplishments in serving students at risk of dropping out of high school. It also evaluated their ability to use data to demonstrate the effectiveness of their work.

Company officials said that after a rigorous and competitive process, NLRSD was identified as making a real difference in the community by supporting and motivating traditionally underserved students to stay in school and prepare for the next step in life.

AT&T’s donation is expected to provide students with the tools and support they need to succeed in both school and future careers. “It is an honor to support this program and the work they are doing to help stem the high school dropout crisis in our country,” said Mayo Flynt, president of AT&T Mississippi.

By educating Mississippi's youth and helping them prepare for the future, according to Flynt, the company can ensure the future workforce of its company. Just as well, the country will be stocked with qualified employees who have the 21st century skills that American businesses need to remain competitive in the digital, global economy.

The AT&T’s Aspire program is said to have affected over a million students. It is touted as one of the largest corporate commitments focused on helping more students graduate from high school ready for college and careers.

The Aspire Program will also assist the faculty in continuing to provide individualized teaching, said Locke Leverette, junior at New Summit School, adding that the program will include many educational elements including developing life skills, improving academics, computer assisted instruction and technology inclusion.

Additionally, AT&T announced an additional quarter-billion-dollar expansion to the program earlier this year, bringing the total commitment to $350 million.

NLRSD intends to use $100,000 to support enhancements to its existing dropout prevention resources through the implementation of the Acceleration Program. This is expected to provide small, alternative learning environments for 100 primarily African-American, special needs and at-risk students.

Earlier in August, AT&T announced Smart911, saying that it provides public safety agencies with the information they need to better assist 9-11 callers.